State lowers speed limit on I-690, Route 695 during state fair

Stephen D. Cannerelli / File photoFairgoers stream through gate 3 on the third day of the 2009 New York State Fair. With the annual exposition nearly ready to open, state transportation officials have lowered the speed limit on the highways near the Geddes fairgrounds to accommodate the expected throngs from out of town.

Geddes, NY – With the New York State Fair almost ready to open, state transportation officials have once again temporarily lowered the speed limit from 65 mph to 55 mph on Interstate 690 and state Route 695 near the fairgrounds.

The seasonal reduction went into effect Thursday and will remain in place through Labor Day Sept. 6, when the fair closes.

It’s done to remind travelers that the highways see higher traffic and slower traffic than usual, that more out-of-towners are on them, and that the temporary signal that controls traffic emerging from the fair’s upper parking lot is in operation, officials said.